BEES PASS ON FOOTBALL LINGO
Canos and Barbet spread the word
IF YOU’VE got a cosmopolitan squad, then why not make the most of it seems to be the view at Championship outfit Brentford.
To mark the European Day of Languages on Wednesday, the Bees sent Spanish winger Sergi Canos and French defender Yoann Barbet back to school.
The duo ran a coaching session in French and Spanish at Ealing Fields High School, showcasing their talents as they taught the pupils both new football and language skills.
“Dribbler comme Maupay” and “zigzag hasta el otro cono y hacer un pase a su compañero” were just some of the French and Spanish phrases uttered as the players coached the youngsters during the football session.
And after it, the pupils’ linguistic skills were tested – quizzing the players in a mock bi-lingual press conference.
Acting as journalists, the pupils asked the players what food they liked and the cultural differences of living in the UK.
They also learnt key football phrases such as ‘red card’ and ‘free-kick’ in French and Spanish.
Commenting on the pupils’ language skills, Canos, 21, said: “I was very impressed with the level of Spanish spoken today - when I was that age I could speak hardly any English!”
Barbet was delighted to take part and felt it was definitely a worthwhile exercise.
Delighted
“We are here to show young people the importance of learning another language,” said the 25-year-old. “It has certainly helped me in my football career and it can help these pupils in the wider world.” The school praised the efforts of the Brentford pair and believe it really can make a difference. Ben Bird, head of modern languages, said: “We are delighted that Yoann and Sergi were able to visit us as part of our European Day of Languages celebrations. “It is exciting that our students are able to see how foreign languages can really play an integral in their part futures.
“It is often difficult to get students motivated by foreign languages, but an event like this can really inspire pupils.”
The event was part of the wider community work of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust – helping thousands of schoolchildren become active and live healthier lifestyles.
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust chief executive Lee Doyle said: “The session at Ealing Fields High School is an example of how we try and be innovative both on and off the field.
“It was delivered by Trust coaches and Brentford players – combining physical activity with languages. Today, we certainly inspired young people to enjoy sport and reach higher levels o f educational attainment.”
The event also received media coverage, with BBC London News on hand.